Monday, August 21, 2006

What is Islam 3?(women rights)

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful

Islam honored women in many ways and got for them rights that were deprived from them in the era of Jahelya. This article with the will of Allah will discuss the rights of women in Islam, and clear any misunderstanding about women’s rights in Islam.

1. They say that women are dishonored in Islam and/or considered as a second level human being .And in the Holy Quran (the words of Allah) it is said :-

“So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), “Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female”

[Sura Aal ‘Imraan (Chapter 3), Aya(verse) 195]

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)”

[Sura Al-Nahl (Chapter 16), Aya (verse) 97]

“And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer [in the Oneness of Allaah (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqeera (speck on the back of a date stone), will be done to them”

[Sura Al-Nisa (chapter 4),Aya(verse)124]

2. They say they disgrace girls in Islam

In the Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) says “Any Believer who takes care and raises three girls, these girls will protect him from hell on judgment day.”

3. They say in Islam, women take half what men take in Inheritance because she is a second-level human being

Well not in all situations women take half what men take. And in Islam, it is the man who is responsible to support his family not the woman. So what she takes simply she keeps it for herself and no one else

4. They say in Islam, a woman has no right to choose her future husbandA woman cannot marry anyone with out a guardian, but she has to agree on who she will marry.

5. They say a woman as a wife has no rights over her husband.

The women in Islam are asked to obey their husbands in what follows with Islam teachings only but they have rights over their husbands as much their husbands have rights over them. In the Holy Quran Allah says :-

“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable”

[Sura Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Aya (verse)228]

6. They say in Islam wives are considered as maids for their husbands. They must do what ever they are told even if they can’t

In Islam, a wife must save her husband dignity and honor. She also must raise her kids to be good men and women. But it is not her responsibility to clean the house and cook for her family. She does all that by her will and all the family members must participate in these duties or hire someone for such duties. In the Hadith :-

Ayesha(one of the prophet(peace be upon him)) wives was once asked “ What does the the prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) do in his home?”. She answered “The prophet (peace be upon him) used to sew his cloth, fix his shoes and does what all men do in their homes”.

7. And other rights given to women in Islam:-

She keeps her own name after marriage.

She has her own estate and she can do whatever she wants with her earnings and belongings. Her husband can not take anything from his wife unless she willingly gives him.

And as a mother she is greatly honored in Islam. In the Holy Quran it is said:-

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.(23) And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young (24)’”

[Sura Al-Esraa (Chapter 17) Ayaat (verses) 23-24]

“And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years – give thanks to Me and to your parents, - unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly…”

“A person once came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him “From all people who best deserves my company”. The prophet answered “Your mother”. He asked again “Then who?” The prophet answered “your mother”. He asked again “Then who?” The prophet answered “your mother”. He asked again “Then who?” The prophet answered “your father”. ”